About Your Surgery

The questions below may help you for before, during, and after your surgery.

Why is it so cold in here?

Because germs produce faster in warm humid air, therefore FOR YOUR SAFETY, the Surgery Center is kept at a cooler temperature to stop and slow down the rate of germ reproduction and spreading. Extra warm blankets are provided for your comfort upon request.

Why do I have to come to the center 1 to 2 hours before my procedure?

There are two reasons. One: sometimes physicians get ahead of schedule and it is important that the next patient be available and ready for their procedure. Two: patients go through an assessment phase by nurses and anesthesiologists in preparation for their procedures. This takes time, so that no patients feel rushed, it is important that all involved have time to make their contribution to your care.

Why can I not have anything to eat or drink 8 hours before my procedure?

If your stomach is empty, the risk of vomiting during your surgery is greatly reduced. Vomiting during surgery can cause serious complications.

Why do I keep having to verify my name and date of birth?

For your safety, we have several safety check points that are important component of your medical care. Every staff member that assists you will verify your name, date of birth, allergies, and procedure to ensure that we have the correct patient.

Will I have my surgery at the time I am scheduled?

Your scheduled surgery time is an estimated time. Cases may take a shorter or longer than time estimated on the schedule. This is why we cannot give an exact time. We will make every effort to meet your expected surgery time and will keep you and your family informed of any delays. Please feel free to ask for updates.

How long will I be in the center after my procedure (recovery period)?

Recovery periods vary from person to person and from procedure to procedure due to length of each surgery. A rule of thumb is that you can commonly anticipate that longer procedures will require longer recovery periods and shorter procedures require shorter recovery periods. (For a half hour procedure, you might have a half hour recovery period. For a one-hour procedure, you might have a one-hour recovery period). The average recovery is between 30minutes to 1 1/2hours. You need to have someone with you for the first 24 hours in case you have an adverse reaction to medications you received. Your safety is our concern.

May my family accompany me?

Family members may join you, if they choose, until the time of your procedure. At that time, we ask that family members remain in the waiting room until the procedure is complete. When you return to the recovery room and awaken, your family may once again join you. Parents will be asked to remain at the center for the entire time of any pediatric procedures so that they may be present as the child awakens. Your child's comfort, by you the parent is an important part of recovery.

What happens behind the scenes of my procedure?

There are many people behind the scenes that play a major part with delivering HIGH QUALITY of CARE to you, while allowing your time at our center to be special. There are instrument technicians processing equipment, Surgical Technologists pulling, preparing and assisting in your case and office staff that collect information. Prior to your procedure, your insurance benefits are verified by office staff. Your chart is reviewed by nurses and anesthesia staff. The entire team at The Conroe Surgery Center works toward the same goal: we want to exceed your expectations.
Every Day Giving Excellence!

Who should I call if I have questions before or after my surgery?

Questions related to surgery itself or preparation should be directed to the Conroe Surgery Center at 936-760-3443. Specific questions related to your specific case or problems afterward should be directed to the surgeon’s office. In the case of an emergency call the physician office for the on-call physician or report directly to the emergency room. You are always welcome to call the center for direction in a non-emergent situation.

Why do I have to pay my deductible and co-insurance at the time of my procedure?

The policy of this center, as with many health care facilities across the nation is that patients pay their portion of co-insurance and any remaining deductible at the time of the procedure. This helps to keep the collection prices down, thus the cost of doing business at a minimum. Traditionally, all payers/insurances and self-pay patients pay less to an ambulatory surgery center than they pay to hospitals. Ambulatory surgery centers are well known for cost efficient care. You will save money by having surgery in an ASC versus a hospital.

Why is the charge on the EOB (Explanation of Benefits/Invoice) so high?

An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is the document that health insurance companies send to communicate their decisions to members regarding payment for services.

Insurances that are contracted with a facility pay at the contracted rate or percentage of the charge. The total amount represents the facility fee which is
100% of the charges, and the contracted rate is the reduced fee that you will see on the EOB. Insurances, third party payers, and Medicare pay at a
negotiated rate. Traditionally, all payers/insurances and self-pay patients pay less to an ambulatory surgery center than they pay to hospitals. Ambulatory surgery centers are well known for cost efficient care.

Why should I choose an ASC over a hospital?

ASCs (Ambulatory Surgery Centers), including the Conroe Surgery Center are known for their efficiency of care, quality outcomes and low cost of care in comparison to their hospital competition. Ambulatory surgery is our specialty and thus, we have established a reputation for excellence in what we do. We aim to "exceed the expectations" of you our customer.

Who do I call regarding Anesthesia Charges?

It is GHA's goal to minimize the confusion and hassle associated with resolving a patient's financial obligations. GHA participates in most managed care plans in the Houston area in order to minimize the financial burden on their patients. In addition, GHA has developed a sophisticated computer and telephone system and knowledgeable and friendly staff to work with patients and insurance companies to resolve all financial matters as quickly and painlessly as possible. Please call GHA's customer support center at (713) 620-4040 or toll free at (866) 556-4004 8AM to 6PM CST Monday-Thursday and 8:00am to 12:00pm on Fridays for assistance or visit their website at www.paygha.imedgroup.com

Why am I receiving multiple bills?Conroe Surgery Center's fee is billed separately from the anesthesia fee for services and surgeon's bill. When you have a surgical procedure performed, you will typically receive a bill from each entity involved with your surgical care.

Why do I owe Conroe Surgery Center for my upgraded lens?

Conroe Surgery Center purchases all upgraded lens for Cataract Surgery. Since insurance does not cover upgraded lens, the cost is passed to the patient. Your doctor does not collect for the actual lens itself. He or She collects for their professional services only.

To Prevent Infection: Please shower or bathe the night before your surgery with soap (antimicrobial or non- antimicrobial) or an anti-septic agent.

We are an affiliate of United Surgical Partners International, partnered with local physicians, and accredited by The Joint Commission.We are fully licensed by the state of Texas and are Medicare certified.